Marist Unveils New Softball State Banner

The Marist girls softball team earned their state championship title back in June, and on September 1st the State Championship banner was hung in the Marist Main Gym. At the opening school year rally, members from the Marist Girls Softball 4A State Championship team unveiled the new banner in the Marist Main Gym.

The 2023 4A State Championship team was one for the record books. The team, led by head Coach Colleen Phelan ’07, finished the season with a 37-2 record. In the state series, they went 10-0 in the championship semifinal game vs. Barrington High School. The girls then won 9-1 over Yorkville to clutch the 2023 4A State Championship.

“The emotions ran high the entire game. The vibe was that we will do anything to win, but also staying united as one team,” said Caroline O’Brien ’24. “We didn’t want to just win for ourselves but wanted it for each other more. There was not one single ounce of doubt in our minds as soon as we stepped onto the field.”

Caroline, a Notre Dame commit and the starting catcher for the RedHawks this past season, was also a member of the 2021 4A State Championship team. And while winning is awesome, she says knowing she has “life long friends and life long memories beats any trophy.”

Coach Phelan acknowledges the State Championship win goes beyond just the girls and coaches, but is a rare and fun experience for their families.

“It is honestly the best feeling… I am so happy for the girls who have worked so hard for this accomplishment, and to see them achieve it was really special. Only a handful of players were on the 2021 championship team, so having more girls and families experience a State Championship was amazing. These girls will be connected forever as 2023 State Champs.”
Coach Phelan

The team received quite a few recognitions as a whole and also individually for many team members.

All State Mentions

Isabel Cunnea ’23

Caroline O’Brien ’24

Cam Lyons ’24

Gianna Hillegonds ’25

Maia Pietrzak ’23

ESCC Player of the Year

Caroline O’Brien ’24

Extra Innings Softball All-Americans

Isabel Cunnea ’23

Caroline o’Brien ’24

Eileen Donahue ’23

Gianna Hillegonds ’25

Maia Pietrzak ’23

Gabi Novickas ’23

Max Preps First Team All-American

Isabel Cunnea ’23

As a team, the girls broke the Illinois High School Association home run record in a single season with 93 home runs!! The previous record was 78 home runs set by Barrington in 2022. Here’s how those home runs were broken down:

Cunnea – 23 home runs
Novickas – 18 home runs
Hanik – 13 home runs
Donahue – 10 home runs
Pietrzak – 8 home runs
Lyons – 6 home runs
Rogers – 6 home runs
O’Brien – 5 home runs
Scott – 2 home runs
Benoit – 1 home run
Holmstrom – 1 home run

“This team was certainly “special” athletically with our lights out defense, talented pitching, and the 93 home runs we hit. But, I do not think that is the only reason we won state. These girls were in it for each other every step of the way. They really loved each other and Team 21. Not a single time this year was there any “drama” or any negative energy at each other. They really really loved each other, and that is something that was said over and over again at the end of the year. They were a true TEAM from start to finish, and it was truly special to coach and be a part of,”
Coach Phelan

The RedHawks before the new banner was unveiled during the rally on 9.1.23.

The unveiling of the State Championship banner in the Marist Main Gym was a celebration and reflection of the 2023 team, while looking ahead to the 2024 season, with 6 returning players unveiling the banner. These girls know what it takes to be champions, and they have their sights set on success.

“I am excited about our core returning players and seeing them step up as leaders,” said Coach Phelan. “I know they have it in them, as many of them led last year even as underclassman, but with 9 seniors graduating, the door is open for them to lead the next generation of State Champs.”

The team has been working out together in the off season and Caroline emphasizes that the team is already building crucial chemistry for the 2024 season.

“I am most excited to just continue the fun and family atmosphere with a bunch of new players. We never know how the actual season is going to go but we always know we will have a blast and make so many memories,” said Caroline. “The chemistry is already starting to build with our off season workouts and I am just excited to get back at it!”

The RedHawks at Wrigley Field being honored before the Chicago Cubs game on 7.20.23.

The RedHawks at Guaranteed Rate Field being honored before the Chicago White Sox game on 8..13.23. Pictured here with their littlest fan, Molly, Coach Phelan’s daughter.

The RedHawks have received support from all over the Chicago area. They were honored on the field before home games of both the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs. However, there’s no support quite like the Marist family.

“The Marist family has been so so amazing. Everyone says congratulations on not just the win but what an amazing year. We can definitely feel the love from everyone. Especially the administrative team,” said Caroline.

The support of the Marist community was evident at the banner reveal. As the gym was packed with every student at Marist who cheered when the rope was pulled to reveal the new State Championship banner.

The success of the season prepared many members of the team for the next step in their softball careers: playing at the collegiate level.

Grace Anderson – Loras College
Isabella Crespo – John Carroll University
Isabel Cunnea – Northwestern
Eileen Donahue – University of Illinois
Maia Pietrzak – Ball State University
Morgan Rogers – DePaul University

The 2023 State Championship team members:

Grace Anderson ’23

Payton Benoit ’23

Mary Bresnahan ’23

Isabella Crespo ’23

Isabel Cunnea ’23

Eileen Donahue ’23

Breanna Hanik ’25

Gianna Hillegonds ’25

Ellie Holmstrom ’26

Mari Jarmoszka ’25

Camryn Lyons ’24

Gabriella Novickas ’25

Caroline O’Brien ’24

Maia Pietrzak ’23

Morgan Rogers ’23

Nayeli Scott ’23

The 2023 State Championship Coaching Staff:

Colleen Phelan ’07

Ashley Barry ’07

Katie Caulfield ’13

This is the third State Championship win for the RedHawks since Coach Phelan took over as head coach. The RedHawks won state in 2012 (Phelan as assistant coach), 2015, 2021, and 2023. They were state runner up in 2022 and final four in 2017 and 2019. In 11 seasons, the program went to state 7 times. In Coach Phelan’s career, the program went to state 6 out of 8 seasons.

Marist High School is so proud of the 2023 State Championship team! Go RedHawks!